Chapter 701
Chapter 701
Chapter 701. Northern Sea Branch (1)
That person was one of the family members of the bandits I had brought with me, a young woman.
I think I heard she had been kidnapped and forcibly made a bandit’s wife……
“What is it?” (I)
“I-it’s terrible! Bandits have attacked!” (Young Woman)
At those words, Young Palace Lord Bing Haerin stepped forward and asked.
“Lead the way. Where is it?” (Bing Haerin)
“This way.” (Young Woman)
Young Palace Lord Bing Haerin said to the disciples of the Ice Palace.
“Raise the Ice Palace’s flag! From now on, we are going to protect the Ice Palace’s trading partner. And show them. That our Ice Palace has no mercy for anything that gets in our way!” (Bing Haerin)
“Yes!” (Ice Palace Disciples)
We ran to the farmland I had prepared.
And before we even reached that farmland, we could witness the bandits’ atrocities.
“Uahahaha! Take out everything inside the house!” (Bandit)
“Tie everyone up!” (Bandit)
“What a windfall this is! To think such fresh ones are all gathered in one place like this!” (Bandit)
Looking at the people being tied up and dragged away, I bit my lip.
They were people who had been kidnapped by bandits, became bandits, and lived like slaves.
And yet they were suffering something like this again!
The reality that people had no choice but to live miserably simply because they had no strength made me sad.
But now was not the time to be sad.
Tat!
I kicked off the ground and ran forward, then swung my sword at one bandit who was holding the hair of a woman being dragged away with the ties of her jacket undone.
Slash!
“Kkuaaaak!” (Bandit)
His leg was cut as he clutched his severed wrist and screamed.
Beyond him as he collapsed, I saw Young Palace Lord Bing Haerin.
“Leave them alive if possible.” (Bing Haerin)
“Yes?” (I)
“Since this palace has been entrusted with guarding this place, I mean that we will handle it according to this palace’s way.” (Bing Haerin)
Come to think of it, the Ice Palace disciples were only cutting the hands and legs of the bandits to neutralize them.
The difference in force between the Ice Palace disciples and the bandits was overwhelming, and the situation ended in an instant.
Young Palace Lord Bing Haerin ordered the disciples.
“Bury them.” (Bing Haerin)
“Understood.” (Ice Palace Disciple)
They dug up the ground and buried the bandits alive with only their heads sticking out.
With gags even stuffed in their mouths, the only thing they could do was groan.
“Do you think it is cruel?” (Bing Haerin)
To Young Palace Lord Bing Haerin, who asked while looking at that sight, I shook my head.
“No. You have to do at least that much for it to serve as a warning.” (I)
“That is right. Among bandits, there are especially many vicious ones, so if we do not do this, it does not become a warning.” (Bing Haerin)
“But are you just leaving them like that?” (I)
She nodded.
“Well, whether they starve to death or become crow food, that is what will happen. And…… this is also a warning to them.” (Bing Haerin)
What Young Palace Lord Bing Haerin glanced at as she said that was the people I had brought and made farm.
“When the body becomes comfortable, the mind also becomes comfortable, and then one is bound to start harboring other thoughts.” (Bing Haerin)
I did not refute those words.
Because I too knew very well how cunning the human heart could be.
The handling of the bandits ended.
Meanwhile, the disciples of the Ice Palace freed the people tied up by them and treated those who were injured.
Then they gathered everyone in one place.
“It is fortunate there were no dead.” (I)
“It is thanks to you coming in time. Thank you very much.” (Resident)
I said to those who were expressing gratitude.
“The ones who saved you are the people of the Northern Sea Ice Palace.” (I)
I should make it clear at this opportunity.
“And this person is the Young Palace Lord of the Northern Sea Ice Palace. I have decided to trade all the food produced here with the Northern Sea Ice Palace. In other words, all the crops you produce will go to the Northern Sea Ice Palace.” (I)
I continued speaking.
“What does that mean?” (I)
“…….” (Residents)
When they were merely watching one another’s faces, Young Palace Lord Bing Haerin took over my words.
“It means you do not need to worry about this place’s public security or safety. No one will dare think of touching this place. However…….” (Bing Haerin)
She pointed at those buried alive in the ground by the Ice Palace disciples and groaning as she spoke.
“If you insult the Ice Palace, you will end up in the same state as those men.” (Bing Haerin)
“…….” (Residents)
At the cold aura resembling bitter frost that poured out at the same time, the people there trembled.
Clap clap!
I lightly clapped my hands to refresh the atmosphere.
This was for the sake of warning them, not threatening them.
“In any case, it means you just need to farm diligently. Do you understand?” (I)
“Yes!” (Residents)
“We will do so.” (Residents)
When we interrogated those who had invaded my farmland, they said that because they had been wandering around and plundering, they had no other companions.
And they said that there were people they had caught and locked inside a nearby cave to sell as slaves.
We immediately headed there and rescued the people who had been kidnapped.
Those who had places to return to or families were sent back, and those who said they had nowhere to return to were brought to the farmland I had purchased.
The farmland I had purchased this time was quite large, so there was nothing bad about the number of people increasing.
After wrapping up the matter with the bandit gang like that, I saw off the people of the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
Then I returned and met Young Master Bok Yun and his wife, and had dinner.
“I heard that you accomplished something great this time as well.” (Bok Yun)
“I did nothing. The Ice Palace helped.” (I)
“But if Young Master Eun had not made a contract with the Ice Palace, would the Ice Palace have helped?” (Bok Yun)
“This is rather embarrassing.” (I)
I smiled awkwardly and scratched the back of my neck.
To such a me, Young Master Bok smiled and poured tea.
Because he knew I was not very inclined toward alcohol, he did not offer me any.
Seeing that, he really is a good person.
I dislike people who force alcohol on others.
Those who like it can drink together, so why force it on someone else? I do not understand.
Are they saying we should drink and die together?
“The prohibition on alcohol has been lifted too, so you may have a drink.” (I)
At my words, Young Master Bok shook his head.
“No. I will have many occasions to drink in the future, so at times like this, should I not soothe my body with tea?” (Bok Yun)
At those words, I gave a faint laugh and lifted the teapot, pouring tea for him as well.
“Thank you. By the way, I heard you are moving while carrying ice.” (Bok Yun)
“That is correct. It is ice brought from the Northern Sea.” (I)
“Then are you thinking of selling it in Beijing?” (Bok Yun)
“No. Since I went through the trouble of bringing it, should I not sell it somewhere where it can be sold a little more expensively?” (I)
“Then you will go farther south.” (Bok Yun)
“Yes. I intend to go to Hubei Province and sell it there.” (I)
“If it is Hubei Province, is that not where the Eunha Trading Company’s main headquarters is?” (Bok Yun)
“That is correct.” (I)
I nodded.
One of the places famous for being hot even in the empire is Wuhan of Hubei Province.
Excluding the overall hot Yunnan region, Lanzhou, Wuhan, and Chongqing are even called the empire’s three great furnaces.
That means it is a place where demand for ice is bound to be high.
It is used to cool down when it is hot, but it is also greatly needed to prevent food from spoiling.
Of course, there are ice-harvesting families in Hubei Province as well, but they cannot keep up with the demand.
Probably, even if I sell the ice I bring at a high price, it will sell as though it has wings.
That does not mean I intend to charge an absurd price. I only intend to leave a certain amount of profit.
“And since it is where the main headquarters is, people nearby will not start unnecessary quarrels either.” (I)
At my words, Young Master Bok Yun looked at me with a strange expression.
“Why do you look at me like that?” (I)
“I was just wondering whether there is anyone in this empire who can touch the Eunha Trading Company with Young Master Eun in it.” (Bok Yun)
“…….” (I)
The next day.
I and the Eunha Trading Company party departed for Beijing.
First, we planned to go as far as Beijing, reorganize there, and then depart again.
The amount of ice being cut out and transported this time was quite large.
The boxes had been insulated so it would not melt during transport, but that alone was not enough.
So I had to periodically blow cold energy into the boxes and maintain the ice so it would not melt.
In truth, with my current skill, I could sell ice by freezing water in Hubei Province without bringing ice from the Northern Sea.
But because the skill known to the world was still at the Peak Realm, I did not do so.
I had business in the Northern Sea anyway, and thanks to Brother Jeongho’s suggestion, a pretext had arisen, so I went there.
From Liaoning to Beijing was almost entirely plains, and perhaps because of the warning last time, those targeting us saw the Eunha Trading Company’s flag and hid, so we came very comfortably.
The time we arrived at the Beijing branch was night, when stars were scattered thickly in the sky.
“Welcome back!” (Jeongho)
Brother Jeongho welcomed our party gladly.
“Brother, I was really exhausted.” (I)
“You do look that way. You worked hard.” (Jeongho)
He patted me like that, then looked at the carts coming in behind me and marveled.
“But you really brought a lot.” (Jeongho)
“Since we were bringing it anyway, we had to bring a lot. By the way, how much do we need in this Beijing?” (I)
“Hm? Why?” (Jeongho)
“I am going to sell as much as possible in Hubei.” (I)
As if he had never thought of it at all, Brother Jeongho asked with a flustered face.
“You are taking ice to Hubei in this fifth and sixth month? Is that possible?” (Jeongho)
“I am saying I will go to Hubei and sell it because it is possible.” (I)
Brother Jeongho scratched his cheek and said.
“Then you can take it all. Even if we sell ice in Beijing, the profit is not that large. It was just that going all the way to the Yangtze River side is difficult, so I said to sell it in Beijing.” (Jeongho)
“Understood. Then I will take the entire amount to Hubei.” (I)
“Yes. You are going through a lot.” (Jeongho)
“Since I am going through trouble anyway, I should earn as much as possible. Since ancient times, can a merchant retreat before profit?” (I)
“You are right. And if you are capable of doing it, would I stop you?” (Jeongho)
“I will take that as permission. Then, Brother.” (I)
I grinned.
“While I am gone, I will be counting on you.” (I)
Brother Jeongho, realizing what I meant, let out a deep sigh.
“I am already so busy I could die now that the prohibition on alcohol has been lifted. Fine, well, it cannot be helped.” (Jeongho)
“Do not worry too much. This time, I am leaving Vice Officer Kwak in Beijing.” (I)
The main headquarters was where my parents were.
In my heart, I wanted to go with Miss Seohyang, but if I went together with Miss Seohyang again this time, when I returned later, I would not be able to handle the work.
I was a little sorry, but only if Miss Seohyang did some of the Hyeonpung Bureau’s work could I catch my breath.
So I was going to ask for her understanding, but Miss Seohyang first said she would remain in Beijing, and I was very grateful.
At dawn the next day.
We departed for Hubei Province.
It was an early dawn when stars were still thickly scattered.
Because we had washed up, organized the work, and departed as soon as we arrived at the Beijing branch, I had not slept a wink and was tired.
But it could not be helped.
It would be troublesome if the Emperor called for me after hearing that I had arrived.
So I quickly departed under the pretext that the ice was melting.
. . .
Cicada. Cicada. Cicada.
A summer when cicadas were crying noisily.
People gathered in groups of three and five, sitting on seats spread out under the shade of trees and enjoying the wind from wind fans.
“Phew! It is hot, so hot!” (Person)
“This summer feels especially hot.” (Person)
“By the way, was there not supposed to be a birthday banquet for the elder of Assistant Minister Kang’s house this time?” (Person)
“I think it was the day after tomorrow?” (Person)
“If it is this hot, will the banquet preparations be all right? The food will spoil.” (Person)
“Is that the worry right now? There are not just one or two people collapsing from heatstroke.” (Person)
At that moment, they saw someone running in a hurry before them while carrying a bowl.
“Is that not Yeongsik?” (Person)
“Yeongsik! Where are you going?” (Person)
“I am going to buy ice now!” (Yeongsik)
“Ice?” (Person)
“My father collapsed from heatstroke right now! They said cooling the body with ice is good, so I am going to buy ice.” (Yeongsik)
“I understand, but where are you buying ice?” (Person)
“And even if they are selling it, it will be extremely expensive.” (Person)
At those words, the one called Yeongsik shook his head.
“No.” (Yeongsik)
“Hm?” (Person)
“The Eunha Trading Company is selling ice now, and the physician told me they are selling it at a reasonable price.” (Yeongsik)
“Hm? The Eunha Trading Company is selling ice?” (Person)
“Yes. Then I will go first. They say you can barely buy it even after standing in line.” (Yeongsik)
Like that, he ran off in a hurry.
Following after him were servants from Assistant Minister Kang’s residence, running while pulling carts.
And several people carrying bowls could be seen running.
At this, the people sitting beneath the shade of the tree slowly rose from their seats.
“I suddenly remembered I have an urgent matter.” (Person)
“I forgot I had an appointment.” (Person)
They each went to their homes, collected money, and began running toward the Eunha Trading Company.
. . .
The third day since I arrived at the main headquarters in Hubei Province.
I looked with satisfaction at the bustle outside the main gate.
People were standing in line to buy the ice I had brought.
As expected, the ice enjoyed sensational popularity in Hubei Province.
“When you said you were coming to Hubei Province with ice, I wondered if that was possible, but it truly was possible.” (Father)
“Father. I have also gone to Guizhou Province with snow.” (I)
“Haha. Come to think of it, you did.” (Father)
Father laughed heartily and nodded.
“Father, may I ask you to handle the sale of the ice now?” (I)
“Hm? Are you already thinking of going to Beijing?” (Father)
At Father’s question, I shook my head.
“That is not it, but there is something I must do briefly.” (I)
A moment later.
I headed to the pawnshop of the Seo family.
Because one of the reasons I had come to Hubei Province was to meet Elder Hwangbo Hwi, the Ghost-Faced Cannon.
A street where the blazing sun was beating down.
The elder was sitting in front of the pawnshop at a tea table, enjoying the wind from a wind fan.
“Have you been well?” (I)
“I am dying from the heat.” (Hwangbo Hwi)
The elder grumbled.
“I do not want to move a finger, so if it is something troublesome, just go.” (Hwangbo Hwi)
“I brought this, though.” (I)
I spoke while pointing at what Palgap was holding.
“What is it?” (Hwangbo Hwi)
“It is liquor soaked in ice water, but since you tell me to go, I suppose I must just leave.” (I)
“Hoho! You brat! Just because I tell you to go, are you really going?” (Hwangbo Hwi)
At those words, I grinned and sat down. Then I spread five fingers and spoke.
“Then, I will serve it to you at five copper coins per cup.” (I)
I said I brought it, not that it was free.